Can an Accountant Verify Your Identity for Companies House?

Authorised agent guide

An accountant can verify an identity for Companies House only if they are registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. Here is what that means and how to choose an agent.

Can an accountant verify your identity?

Yes, but not every accountant can do so automatically. To verify a client’s identity for Companies House, the accountant or other professional must be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, commonly shortened to ACSP. An ACSP is also known as a Companies House authorised agent.

Companies House explains that ACSPs are businesses such as accountants or solicitors that have registered with it and are supervised for anti-money laundering purposes. You can read the current GOV.UK guidance on using an ACSP for the official position.

What an ACSP needs from you

When an ACSP verifies your identity, you will need to provide personal information such as your full name, home address and email address, as well as suitable evidence to prove your identity. The exact evidence accepted is determined by the agent’s process and your circumstances.

With DirectorIDVerify, secure Stripe payment takes you to an on-screen journey to provide the required evidence. UK residents may use a valid passport, ID card or driving licence subject to the secure checks. Non-UK residents use the passport-only route. All users need proof of their current address in English or a certified English translation.

What happens once verification is complete?

The ACSP reviews the evidence and makes the required submission if the required standard has been met. Companies House then emails the personal code directly to the email address you provided. The code belongs to you, not the agent.

This distinction matters. An agent can help you with the verification process, but it cannot promise that Companies House will issue a personal code or control when Companies House processes the submission.

How to choose a Companies House authorised agent

Look for a service with clear identity-verification expertise, transparent pricing, secure document handling and a clear explanation of what happens if more information is needed. Avoid providers that ask you to send a passport, proof of address or your personal code by ordinary email.

Companies House publishes a list of ACSPs, but it says that the list may not include every registered agent. You should still check the professional background, scope of service and suitability of any agent you choose.

DirectorIDVerify and SB Business Consulting

DirectorIDVerify is a trading name of SB Business Consulting Limited, a Companies House authorised agent. It provides a focused online identity-verification service for UK residents and non-UK residents. If you also need help with wider accounting, tax or company compliance, you can speak with a Chartered Accountant at SB Business Consulting in a free initial consultation.

Next steps

If you are deciding whether to use an ACSP, start with our guide to the full verification process. If timing is important, also read our guide to planning Companies House identity verification ahead of a deadline.